Direct numerical simulation of chemical reaction fouling in a turbulent channel flow

Abstract

In heat exchanger industries, the fouling deposition on solid surfaces causes serious problems such as impaired heat transfer and increased pressure drop. Thus, the prediction and mitigation of fouling deposits has been an important issue. In the present study, we conduct direct numerical simulation of a fully developed channel flow. We assume that fluid flows as a slurry flow and the apparent viscosity is calculated using Thomas equation. We also assume that a second order reaction with single soluble reactant occurs and a highly viscous product is accumulated at high-temperature wall. Two passive scalar equations are solved along with the Navier-Stokes equations to obtain the mass fraction of the reactant and the temperature in the channel. The reactant flows into the channel at the inlet, and the highly viscous product is stuck on the wall and forms a fouling layer.